Is your staff connected? How peer connections benefit practices

DID YOU KNOW? 

Save 10 hours, see 11 more patients each week by delegating non-physician tasks to well-trained or certified paraoptometric staff. That’s what the AOA’s 2023 Survey of Paraoptometric Membership found: optometry practices with highly trained, certified staff allowed doctors more time for patient care and helped practices run more efficiently. 

PARAOPTOMETRIC EDUCATION

Linda Rodriguez, CPO, AOA Paraoptometric Resource Center Committee chair 

New Jersey 

“ Meeting with peers and realizing we belong to a nationwide paraoptometric community is priceless. Optometry’s Meeting is the celebration of the optometric family which paraoptometrics are part of, and the networking opportunities allow us to grow in knowledge and enhance our commitment to the profession and patients served.   

“The connections paraoptometrics make can foster friendships that last a lifetime, increase awareness, encourage sharing of ideas, and build enthusiasm to continue to serve the profession at a national and state level. Through the events offered at Optometry’s Meeting, specifically for paraoptometrics, we return to our practices inspired and ready to continue our path for professional growth.” 

Melanie Jenkins, CPO, AOA Paraoptometric Resource Center Committee member 

Tennessee 

“What a thrill to be a paraoptometric and to have the opportunity to attend Optometry’s Meeting! I attended my first one in 2019 and haven’t missed one since—that first one opened my eyes to what a strong profession we have. I was blown away that there were so many people who do what I do daily and truly love what they do. I attended by myself and was feeling alone in a crowd. Quickly, I was approached by a group of ladies who took me under their wing and welcomed me.   

“It was incredible meeting other office managers like myself, who were attending from states all over the U.S. We shared stories, ideas, contact information and continue to find each other each year and share. Each time I meet new paras and keep growing the circle of friends. The wisdom and knowledge of these contacts has been so helpful to me in our practice. The education that I have received from them and in attending courses at Optometry’s Meeting has been priceless.” 

Beverly Roberts, CPOT, Commission on Paraoptometric Certification vice-chair 

Mississippi 

"Through the years of attending Optometry’s Meeting, it has helped me grow the practice as a clinic administrator. One of those ways is when I’m able to meet other administrators. We have discussions over the challenges and opportunities that we face on a daily basis, and we share the answers and solutions to how we tackle those things—I love that. The education at Optometry’s Meeting is amazing, but mingling with my peers and learning from them has been one of the greatest parts of Optometry’s Meeting.”

Heather Schwartz, CPOT, AOA Paraoptometric Resource Center Committee member 

Wyoming 

“Attending Optometry’s Meeting is about more than just the formal continuing education. You connect with other paraoptometrics in meaningful ways. You see that we all have the same types of patients and gain their valuable insight on how to best take care of them. Networking allows for meaningful connections to be made, valuable input to take back to the office and the potential for lifelong friendships. Attending the Paraoptometric Awards Luncheon Celebration and Paraoptometric Idea Exchange, you walk away feeling encouraged, motivated and ready to accept new challenges in the workplace with a fresh viewpoint.”